Book 1 Summary

Book 1: Chapter 1 Summary

The Return of the Native takes place in Egdon Heath, a "vast tract of unenclosed wild." The stage is set in a gloomy, wind-battered area without many trees or other adornments of nature. The place is described as being "perfectly accordant with man's nature" it is neither extremely ugly nor common but entirely singular. Egdon Heath is elevated to a place of great importance in the narrative, and is therefore introduced almost as a character in itself.

Book 1: Chapter 2 Summary

An old man walks down the road (we later learn this to be Captain Vye) and a wagon approaches. Leading the van on foot is a reddleman (who is later introduces as Diggory Venn). His occupation is becoming obsolete but still used in these remote parts. He sells red dye for the sheep farmers. Because of working with the red...